Mass VS Weight
1. Definition
Mass: The amount of matter in an object.
Weight: The force of gravity acting on an object.
2. Unit
Mass: Kilogram (kg), gram (g)
Weight: Newton (N)
3. Measurement
Mass: Measured by a balance.
Weight: Measured by a spring scale.
4. Type of Quantity
Mass: Scalar (only size, no direction)
Weight: Vector (has size and direction, toward the center of gravity)
5. Dependence
Mass: Does not depend on gravity; stays the same everywhere.
Weight: Depends on gravity; changes if gravity changes.
6. Examples
Mass: A backpack has 5 kg on Earth or Moon.
Weight: A 5 kg backpack weighs 49 N on Earth, less on the Moon.
7. Effects / Properties
Mass: Affects inertia – heavier objects are harder to move; always positive; measures matter.
Weight: Shows how strongly gravity pulls an object; acts downward; changes on different planets.